Ian Sharp's intelligent direction of an inept screenplay, careful action sequences, and finely honed acting (to a point) by Judy Davis and Ingrid Pitt define this entertaining action film. Phil Meheux's beautiful cinematography and John Grover's editing almost cover the considerable number of lapses in the script.
However, far-fetched elements in the story ultimately undermine direction, acting, and action scenes. The script largely seems contrived instead of clever or creative, though elements of the narrative work well enough for two female characters to develop in interesting ways. That might be because Judy Davis and Ingrid Pitt are simply highly skilled actors. Roy Budd's score also integrates (or appears to blend in) elements of the film.
This is not a masterwork, but it does entertain better than any James Bond film ever does. One finds a measure of pleasure in realising how at least one Bond film might have worked had it enjoyed some of the gifts used to create this movie.
However, far-fetched elements in the story ultimately undermine direction, acting, and action scenes. The script largely seems contrived instead of clever or creative, though elements of the narrative work well enough for two female characters to develop in interesting ways. That might be because Judy Davis and Ingrid Pitt are simply highly skilled actors. Roy Budd's score also integrates (or appears to blend in) elements of the film.
This is not a masterwork, but it does entertain better than any James Bond film ever does. One finds a measure of pleasure in realising how at least one Bond film might have worked had it enjoyed some of the gifts used to create this movie.